MAX Power Ramps Up Natural Hydrogen Development in Saskatchewan's Genesis Trend
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan – MAX Power Mining Corp. has announced an accelerated strategy for the commercial evaluation and development of its groundbreaking Lawson Natural Hydrogen Discovery near Central Butte, Saskatchewan. This initiative represents a significant step forward for Canada's first-ever confirmed natural hydrogen subsurface system, which was verified through drilling operations announced in January 2026.
Expanding the Genesis Trend Exploration
The company is now focusing on broader plans to establish multiple strategic partnerships across various sectors, viewing the expansive 475-kilometer Genesis Trend as what could become a transformative nation-building project for Canada. To date, geological surveys have identified at least 80 structures of interest along this trend, many displaying similar characteristics to the Lawson Discovery site.
These additional structures will undergo detailed examination in the coming months as MAX Power expands its exploration efforts across the region. The company's comprehensive approach combines traditional geological methods with advanced technological platforms to maximize discovery potential.
Advanced Technical Program Underway
Tetra Tech, a global leader in consulting and engineering services, has been contracted to conduct a substantial 47-square kilometer 3D seismic acquisition program at the Lawson Discovery site. This sophisticated survey is scheduled to commence during the week of February 23, 2026, with all necessary permits and approvals already secured.
The 3D seismic program will generate high-resolution subsurface data that will enable precise imaging of potential hydrogen-containing structural traps. This critical information will inform MAX Power's natural hydrogen resource modeling and estimation efforts, ultimately guiding the placement of a confirmatory well to validate commercial viability.
Concurrently, a comprehensive porosity and permeability analysis of Lawson core samples is progressing at AGAT Laboratories in Calgary. This work runs parallel to an isotopic analytical program being conducted at the University of Windsor, creating multiple streams of valuable geological data.
Strategic Development and Regional Assessment
Upon completion of the core-based analytical program and the proprietary 3D seismic survey, MAX Power will integrate all geological and geophysical data to develop a preliminary resource estimate. This integrated approach will also identify the optimal location for the Lawson confirmatory well, a crucial step toward commercial validation.
Beyond the immediate Lawson/Central Butte area, the company has identified at least 80 significant additional structures considered prospective for natural hydrogen accumulations along the Genesis Trend. Notable examples include the Radville and Lucky Lake structures, which are being prioritized as part of MAX Power's 2026 multi-well drilling program.
The company is acquiring 2D trade seismic data that will be incorporated into its AI-assisted MAXX LEMI platform. This technological integration will enable efficient drill targeting while simultaneously supporting a comprehensive regional assessment of the entire Genesis Trend.
Industry Interest and Economic Potential
MAX Power is currently engaged in discussions with multiple potential end users who have expressed interest in sourcing natural hydrogen from the Genesis Trend and other Saskatchewan locations, provided commercial deposits can be confirmed. This industry interest underscores the growing recognition of natural hydrogen as a viable clean energy source.
The strategic location of the Genesis Trend adds to its economic potential, as it runs through and adjacent to the Regina-Moose Jaw Industrial Corridor. This established hub for heavy industry, agriculture, and logistics presents ideal conditions for large-scale industrial development, including clean energy projects that are increasingly attracting technology sector companies.
Leadership Vision for Natural Hydrogen
Ran Narayanasamy, CEO of MAX Power, emphasized the company's ambitious timeline, stating: "We are moving rapidly at Lawson with an aggressive 'months to molecules' strategy targeting commercial validation. The repeatability and scalability potential of Genesis creates the opportunity for the birth of the world's first Natural Hydrogen industry in Saskatchewan."
Narayanasamy further explained that this potential industry would be "driven not only by geology but technology – a model for the world as this emerging clean energy sector gains momentum. That is the vision and this is why we view Genesis as a potential nation-building project at a pivotal moment in Canada's history."
Steve Halabura, MAX Power Chief Geoscientist, provided technical context: "The Lawson Discovery validates our five-element system model for Natural Hydrogen deposits – the right source rocks, migration pathways, reservoirs, traps and seals. The western edge of the Prairie Evaporite, which hosts the world's largest potash mines, extends along the entire eastern border of Genesis, providing the traps and seals necessary for the accumulation of Natural Hydrogen and associated gases."
Halabura added that current research "suggests the right source rocks, migration pathways and reservoirs are present across broad areas of Genesis, supporting the potential for basin-scale Natural Hydrogen endowment." This geological assessment reinforces the company's confidence in the region's substantial natural hydrogen potential.
